If you want a bike that gives a proper 'classic' riding experience in the sub-500cc segment, there are two bikes that do it rather well: the Harley-Davidson X440 and the Royal Enfield Classic 350. So today we put the former's base variant against the latter's top variant and see which comes out on top:

Price & Variants

Both prices mentioned above are ex-showroom

• The Royal Enfield Classic 350's top variant is still less expensive than the X440's base variant and that just shows how well-priced the Classic has been over the years.

• The X440 isn't very expensive in itself but it's a bigger bike and carries a bit of badge premium.

Dimensions & Design

• The Classic 350 is a brawny bike with a timeless design, for it looks just as good as it did a decade ago. And over the years, Royal Enfield has bettered its finish levels, making the Classic 350 feel more premium than it ever has.

• On the other hand, the X440's XR1200-inspired design isn't exactly conventionally handsome and its poor finish levels don't help either. So if we're talking about the sheer feel-good factor, the Classic 350 is the easy winner.

• Another difference between the two is in their riding postures. The Classic 350 is very upright, giving you that chest-out riding posture which does feel quite macho. While the X440 doesn't feel quite as upright, its wide tank is what does the trick. The wide tank between your legs makes you feel like you're riding a big bike and you will enjoy that feeling.

Features & Safety

• The Harley-Davidson X440's TFT sounds modern and period correct but is actually quite simple underneath. It's very easy to read even on the go, isn't cluttered with a bunch of numbers and yet has the feel-good factor.

• But the Classic 350 keeps things even simpler with an analogue console and a tiny digital inset. There's a speedometer, some tell-tale lights, and the fuel gauge, odometer, trip meter in the digital console. On the top variant, you also get the tripper navigation pod as standard.

Engines

• Both bikes are surprisingly similar in their riding experiences. Both have a lot of grunt at low revs, and that means they're both very tractable, making city riding very easy. Stick both engines in the third gear and you'll be able to complete most of your commuting without a fuss.

• Start revving them out and riding them hard, and both will feel like they're not meant for this. After 4,000-5,000rpm, there's not much grunt left in both engines so they're best ridden at a sedate pace, like you would with retro bikes.

• Where the X440 edges out is with its almost 100cc bigger engine. The extra displacement combined with its sixth gear means the X440 is delightfully relaxed at highway speeds. The bike cruises at 100kmph in the 6th gear at under 4000rpm, where it feels incredibly relaxed.

• The Classic also feels quite relaxed between 90-95kmph and while you can hold a steady 100kmph too, it feels a bit less relaxed given its smaller engine.

Verdict

The Harley-Davidson X440 and the Royal Enfield Classic 350 are both authentic retro bikes you'll enjoy riding. The biggest difference then, boils down to their looks. Those who love the Classic's looks might not like the X440's looks and subpar finish levels. But then there are people who find the Classic 350 just a little bit slow and they might be drawn towards the X440's bigger engine and better cruising abilities. And don't forget, the X440 also has the Harley-Davidson badge, the more premium of the two.

vs Rivals:

• If you want something that feels more exotic and premium, the Goan Classic 350's top variant might appeal to you more.
• If you crave for a motorcycle that's more fun and exciting, the Royal Enfield Guerrilla 450 is the one to get. But if you want an authentic retro experience, get the X440.
• The Triumph Speed 400 looks retro but is a thoroughly modern, performance-oriented bike on the inside. If you like that, pick it over the X440.
• If you're a fan of bikes that feel more premium and has that badge value, get the X440 over the Bajaj Dominar 400.
• If comfort is your top priority and you've more touring or off-road ambitions, get the Scrambler over the X440
• If you want something sporty, get the Apache RTR 310. But if you want a properly retro bike, get the Harley.